Today I wanted to take a minute and tell you about an organization that has grown close to my heart and will hopefully do the same toward yours. This organization is America Reads. America Reads is a non-profit organization that strives to increase literacy among school children by providing them with mentors and tutors in subjects such as math and reading. Not only are they tutors though, but they become role models.
That sounds like such a simple thing, right?, providing kids with school tutors. Though its concept of providing tutors to students sounds so informal and uncomplicated, America Reads has made a huge impact on children's lives as well as in the lives of the mentors. I got to see this first hand...
Two years ago, my mother volunteered for America Reads in my hometown. She got the opportunity to mentor a very sweet sophomore girl. Throughout the year, my mom helped her with her reading and homework and assisted her in studying for exams. Though the girl's grades were greatly impacted, I don't believe that was the most significant change that was seen in young Samantha. Previously, Sam had no motivation to graduate and even less motivation to attend college. By tutoring Sam, my mom was able to build trust with her and help steer her in the right direction when it came to school. Long story short, Samantha's attitude toward school and her future was drastically changed. She graduated high school (even a semester early) and is pursuing community college.
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Isn't that exciting? Because a tutor was willing to dedicate a few hours a week to helping a student with school, a young person's life was changed for the better.
After becoming familiar with this organization, I began doing some research about it's outreach in other cities. I was pleased to find that America Reads has a branch in Missoula (where I live) that is achieving great things. Missoula's America Reads is run through the University of Montana and employs university students as tutors for area elementary, middle and high schools. In just one year, the Missoula program was able to provide almost 500 students with tutors. That blows my mind! It is amazing to see a young, university community reaching out to the younger generation in such a special and important way. Education and literacy are so important and if even one child's life is changed, it is worth it!
So, now you've heard my story and hopefully it touched your heart like it touched mine. Now, I encourage you to take a look at an America Reads program near you. For you Missoula folks, here is the link to U of M's America Reads program..Missoula America Reads. Get involved and make a difference...or just share with your friends :) have a great day!
Editorial Calendar:
November: Share statistics regarding high school drop out rates with and without America Reads...see a difference!
December: Encourage mentors to do holiday activities as a fun mentoring session.
January: It's a new year! Make it your New Years resolution to get involved with your local branch of America Reads.
February: Encourage your students to set their eyes on the prize...spring is right around the corner which means school is almost out...graduation awaits you!
March: Apply for college...encourage students to press on toward their goals of higher education!
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